# Ethical Sustainable Fashion: How to Practice It - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/09/practice-ethical-sustainable-fashion/ - Published: 2021-09-03T18:55:08-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy So let’s talk ethical sustainable fashion. For as the global warming conversation continues to reverberate throughout society. Yet one of the industries so many people point the finger at is the [fashion](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/02/adalinda-kicking-it-green-for-nyfw/) industry. Landfills are overflowing with items like apparel.[ Research shows](https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-high-price-of-fast-fashion-11567096637) that the average American wears an item seven times. That’s before they get rid of it. In China, the average item gets worn three times before it’s discarded. If more [people developed certain ethical and sustainable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/06/people-and-planet-building-a-sustainable-future/) fashion habits. Then it’d be a lot easier. I mean to shift these statistics in a different direction. To practice [ethical](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/04/ivory-ella-creates-limited-edition-t-shirt-with-to-honor-royal-elephant-cleopatra/) and sustainable fashion. So let’s adopt the following habits. ![Ethical sustainable fashion](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/ 2021/09/pexels-sam-lion-5710151.jpg?resize=780%2C521&quality=52&ssl=1) ## 1. Build a Ethical Sustainable Wardrobe Foundation The age-old punchline about women never having anything to [wear is rooted in a lot](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/06/a-lot-to-say-celebrities-wearing/) of truth. In many cases, many women don’t know how to build a wardrobe that suits their needs properly. They’re drawn to current trends, pretty colors, and interesting silhouettes. While those factors can create a fun look for a day party or a photo on Instagram, they’re not the practical [pieces to create](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/04/artist-keri-rosebraugh-creates-20-foot-sign-for-storefront-with-6000-pieces-of-repurposed-trash/) a foundational wardrobe. They’re meant to add interest and pizzazz to foundational pieces. When it’s [time to build an ethical sustainable fashion](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/07/pattyo-doing-sustainable-fashion-one-thread-at-a-time/) wardrobe. So please start with the foundational pieces. Those that are considered classic. A well-fitting pair of denim jeans, a crisp white button-down blouse, and a little black dress are just a few of the great pieces each woman should maintain in her wardrobe. Those items are easy to pair with current trends or on their own. Your classic pieces will help you eliminate the issue of not having anything to wear. ## 2. Prioritize Thrift Store Shopping To be Ethical Sustainable Fashion Instead of going to popular retailers, visit thrift stores first. This takes a shift in mindset. However, [thrift store shopping](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/08/retailers-sustainability-data-future-responsible/) is an excellent way to be ethical sustainable fashion. So keep apparel out of those landfills. Thrift stores keep the clothing in circulation. Even if you don’t like the idea of visiting thrift stores, there are finely-curated thrift stores with an online presence. By heading to the [online consignment store](https://currentboutique.com/) first, you can use the filters to find exactly what you’re looking for. To take it a step further, the garments you purchase will be shipped directly to you. There’s no difference in the quality of service or the convenience of a traditional online retailer. Yet, you’ll be able to potentially get a much better price for your items and the joy of knowing you’re developing ethical sustainable fashion practices. ## 3. Take Care of the Garments One of the reasons why many people get rid of items so quickly is because they don’t want to invest the time or effort to care for their garments. If a pair of jeans has pilling, this doesn’t mean it’s ready to be tossed. Instead, get a disposable razor, pull the fabric taut, and gently remove the pilling. Follow the care directions of a garment. If it needs to be hand-washed with cold water, don’t throw it in the washing machine. By caring for the integrity of the garment, it’s much easier to make it last. If a jacket is missing a few buttons, it’s easy to buy a pack of buttons to create a new look. If it’s a repair you can’t fix on your own, take it to your local tailor or the dry cleaners. There are ways to salvage and repair garments when they’re properly cared for. This is ethical sustainable fashion. ## 4. Add Designer Pieces to Ethical Sustainable Fashion Even though [designer](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/03/2019-green-thought-leader-taryn-larock/) pieces are often seen as status symbols, there’s an aspect many people don’t think about. In many cases, high-end designer pieces are expensive because of the care and preparation they require. This doesn’t mean that you need to purchase Chanel bags. A Chanel bag can be passed down for generations. However, a well-made designer blazer or a designer trench coat can easily last decades. Alternatively, a trench coat that’s made from a major [fast-fashion](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/07/what-is-fast-fashion-and-why-it-must-go-2/) retailer can potentially last one or two seasons. Perhaps you’re someone who can’t relate to wearing an item seven times before getting rid of it. Even if you wear an item 24 times before you get rid of it, there are still ways you can work on lowering your carbon footprint through these [sustainable fashion](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/04/ivory-ella-creates-limited-edition-t-shirt-with-to-honor-royal-elephant-cleopatra/) [practices](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/11/us-ivory-crush-a-message-to-traffickers-worldwide/). As you become more intentional in these efforts, you might become inspired to learn new ways to live a more [eco-friendly life](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/08/how-to-live-a-more-eco-friendly-life/). _**Author:** Sheryl Wright_ Also check out my [merch](https://seth-leitman-shop.fourthwall.com/) site. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)